Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village shines as a testament to the enduring artisanal spirit of the Mekong Delta, with a history stretching back over two centuries. This comprehensive guide explores the 200-year history, artisanal production techniques, and the unique cultural landscape of Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village, providing an essential overview of its signature paper varieties and the immersive heritage experiences offered by Mekong Smile for travelers seeking the authentic soul of Can Tho’s craft traditions.
At Mekong Smile, we believe that true culture is felt in the heat of the oven and the texture of the craft. Located in Thot Not District, Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village (Làng nghề Bánh tráng Thuận Hưng) is a premier destination for travelers seeking an authentic connection with the “resilient spirit” and artisanal wisdom of Southern Vietnam.
Lastest update by Hai Yen Nguyen at Mekong Smile | Official Can Tho Travel Guide

Discover Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village, where authentic Mekong traditions come to life
Overview of Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village
A Glance at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village
- Location: Thuan Hung Ward, Thot Not District, Can Tho City.
- Site Type: Traditional Artisanal Craft Village.
- Significance: A 200-year-old craft village with over 500 households, famous for supplying rice paper to the entire Mekong Delta and for export.
- Atmosphere: Rhythmic and bustling, characterized by the aroma of steamed rice and the sight of endless white “fields” of drying paper.
- Key Highlights: Watching the “battery spreading” technique, the bamboo rack drying process, and tasting freshly steamed rice paper.
- Average Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (best combined with Bang Lang Stork Garden).
Understanding Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village: A Legacy of Resilience
The story of Thuan Hung is a multi-generational saga of “passion and preservation.” For over 200 years, the families here have maintained the art of making rice paper, a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. Originally serving local needs, the village has evolved into a major commercial hub without losing its soul. This legacy represents the “vibrant living heritage” of Can Tho, where the secret to a perfect sheet—balancing thickness, elasticity, and flavor—is passed down from grandmothers to granddaughters, ensuring the village’s “rhythm of the craft” never fades.

Video: The Rhythm of Thuan Hung
To see the incredible speed and precision of the master makers as they spread the batter, watch a cinematic highlight of the village:
What Makes Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village Special?
Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village is the soul of Can Tho’s culinary heritage. It is not just a factory; it is an open-air museum where the “spirit of the land” is transformed into edible art.
Today, it stands as a symbol of agricultural ingenuity. Visitors can observe four distinct types of rice paper: Sweet (with coconut and ginger), Salty (for spring rolls), Nem (soft for fresh rolls), and Coconut (thick for grilling). Observing how the villagers time their production with the sun—relying on the “rhythm of the river” and weather—highlights the deep connection between the local community and the natural environment.
“With Mekong Smile experts, you will discover that the most critical ingredient isn’t just the rice, but the Mekong Sun. We will guide you to households that still use the 100% natural drying method. Our experts explain the ‘Half-Dry’ technique. Learning to read the clouds through the eyes of a Thuan Hung artisan is a transformative experience that reveals the true technical depth of this ‘simple’ craft.” – By Mr. Jimmy, Business Development of Mekong Smile

Planning Your Visit to Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village
Location
The village is located in the northern belt of Can Tho, near the border with An Giang.
- Exact Address: Thuan Hung Ward, Thot Not, Can Tho.
- Distance: Approximately 40km from Ninh Kieu Wharf (Can Tho city center).
How to Get There
- By Private Car/Taxi: A comfortable 1-hour drive via National Highway 91.
- By Boat: For a truly “Mekong” arrival, travel by boat through the Thot Not canal network, arriving directly at the riverside workshops.
- The Mekong Smile Way: We can integrate Thuan Hung into our Can Tho tour, providing seamless transfers and connecting the village with the nearby Stork Garden.
Best Time to Visit
- Operating Hours: 06:00 AM – 04:00 PM (Daily).
- The Golden Hour: 07:00 – 09:00 AM is the peak time to see the “Spreading & Drying” ritual when the morning sun is fresh and the streets are filled with white racks.
- Peak Season: The two months leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) are the most vibrant, as the village operates 24/7 to meet holiday demand.

Product & Service Pricing
| Item / Service | Estimated Price (VND) | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Sheets of Salty Rice Paper | 40,000 - 60,000 VND | $1.60 - $2.50 |
| Pack of Sweet Coconut Rice Paper | 35,000 - 50,000 VND | $1.40 - $2.00 |
| Hands-on Experience Fee | Included in tour or Tip-based | Tip-based |
Note: Prices support fair-trade for local households. For an all-inclusive experience including lunch and transfers, consider our Can Tho Tour.
The Experience at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village
The “Spreading” Mastery
Witness the incredible speed of the artisans. With a single ladle and a swift circular motion, they spread the rice batter into a perfect circle on a cloth steamer. It is a “stork symphony” of movement that takes years to master.

The Bamboo Drying Fields
Walk through the village to see thousands of bamboo racks (vỉ) lining every alley and courtyard. The geometric patterns of the drying paper against the green landscape create an unforgettable visual spectacle for photographers.

Fresh Tasting Session
Experience the flavor of heritage. Try a piece of freshly steamed rice paper right off the stove, or enjoy a grilled coconut rice paper—crispy, fragrant, and rich with the soul of the Mekong.

Hands-on Workshop
Under the guidance of Mekong Smile™ experts, try your hand at lifting the delicate sheets with a bamboo stick. You will quickly learn that the “resilient spirit” of the makers is matched by their incredible dexterity.

Combining Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village with Can Tho’s Hidden Gems
Thot Not is a hub of natural and artisanal beauty. After exploring the rice paper village, take a short drive to the Bang Lang Stork Garden to witness thousands of birds returning at sunset or explore the tranquil Tan Loc Islet with its lush orchards and colonial houses. To experience the full spectrum of the Western Capital, combine your journey with a sunrise trip to the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market, a visit to the architectural masterpiece of Binh Thuy Ancient House, or a pilgrimage to the grand Hung King Temple. You can also delve into the region’s history at the Can Tho Museum or the Military Zone 9 Museum near the vibrant Ninh Kieu Wharf.
To complete your stay, discover the perfect accommodation through our curated list of top hotels in Can Tho and savor local flavors with our guide to the top restaurants in Can Tho. This combination ensures a journey that captures the full spectrum of the Delta’s artisanal, natural, and culinary soul.

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